HONOLULU (KCBS/AP) - Aloha Airlines is saying goodbye to passenger service. The move signals an end to an airline that has served Hawaii for more than 60 years.
The airline says it will stop taking flight reservations after today. It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month amid tough competition and rising fuel prices.
Aloha will still take passengers to the island today, but they will have to find their own way home. Hawaiian Airlines and United have said they will honor Aloha tickets on a space-available basis.
"I warned my boss that the possibility exists that I could get over there and not get back. Aw shucks! I just might retire a year sooner than I thought," joked Monte Stewart of Sacramento.
The airline will continue cargo operations for awhile.
Aloha has suffered since a competitor launched a new interisland service called go! airlines in 2006. Aloha President David Banmiller says ``unfair competition has succeeded in driving us out of business,'' but he didn't mention go! airlines in a statement.
Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle says the state will ask a federal bankruptcy court to stop Aloha from shutting down passenger flights until it shows it has no other options. The state also wants proper notification given to 1,900 Aloha employees affected by the shut down.
(MGO)
E-Mail Story
Print Story
KCBS' Bob Melrose reports
DW.pageParams = {
siteId: '255'
};
DW.clear();
DW.trackClicks();
